July 15, 2010

• Freezer Cooking

  

  One of the best frugal tips I've found is freezer cooking.  I searched the internet, read blogs about freezer cooking, as well as a library book (very resourceful).  Over time I gathered recipes and ideas that made it fun and easy. 

  It is just as easy to make two of something as it is one.  Put one in the oven or on the stove for supper.  Wrap the other in aluminum foil, label, and freeze for another day.  Our freezer menu currently includes chili, chili-beans, chicken casserole, mexican casserole, lasagna, taco meat, spaghetti meat sauce, marinated chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, rolls, muffins . . .  yummmm - my. 

  So, how does filling the freezer save money?  When it's been a busy day and there is little or no time for dinner preparations, what do ya do?  Load four kids in the minivan and head out to eat, of course.  Well, if the freezer is full of delicious meals that require little preparation - dinner is covered.  No time to thaw?  No problem.  Just take the amount of baking time for the regular recipe, half it.  Add half to the original baking time.  So, if it normally bakes for 30 min., frozen it would bake for 45 min. (30 + 15).  Or just bake it until it's hot when you stick your finger in the middle (lol). 

  I've read about ladies cooking one day a month for the entire month.  I think it is a great way to save time.  Some team up with other mom's who have families similar in size and cook together.  Others cook several of the same entree and then trade with others for different entrees.  I usually just cook extra here and there, stocking the freezer gradually.

  After the births of my last two babies, I didn't cook for four or five weeks.  Friends and family brought us food for a week or two (thank you family and friends) and then we started on our freezer meals.  It gave me extra time to focus on healing, enjoying our newborn, and loving on our older children. 

  Some of my favorite recipes can be found here.

  • 7:37 am
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